Everything to Know About CLEAR+ and How to Get it for Less

Have you ever stood in a long TSA line and wished you could just skip to the front? With a trusted traveler program like CLEAR+, you can do just that. CLEAR+ offers biometric screening that allows travelers to bypass the ID check line and proceed directly to security. You simply confirm your identity at one of the CLEAR kiosks, via an iris or fingerprint scan, then head to the front of the TSA line. 

The catch? CLEAR+ requires an annual membership, which can be expensive. The good news is that there are several ways to obtain a discount or even a free membership. Here’s everything you need to know about CLEAR+ and how to get it for less:

What is CLEAR+?

CLEAR+ is a trusted traveler program that uses biometric technology to verify your identity at select airport security checkpoints and venues. Rather than handing over your ID card, you can scan your iris or fingerprints at a CLEAR machine and then go directly to the front of the security line. 

CLEAR+ can help you bypass long ID check lines and go straight to security screening. It’s a great option for folks who want to make their airport experience as seamless as possible. In fact, many travelers will combine CLEAR with TSA PreCheck to further streamline their security experience, as TSA PreCheck allows travelers to keep their jackets on and laptops and liquids in their bags.

How much is CLEAR+?

CLEAR+ membership costs $209 per year, and you can add up to 3 adults to your membership for just $125 each. Family members under the age of 18 can join you in the CLEAR+ lane, free of charge, without being added to your membership.

CLEAR+ also offers a TSA PreCheck bundle, which allows you to obtain both memberships at a discounted rate. You’ll pay just $79.95 for PreCheck and $129.05 for CLEAR+. The TSA PreCheck membership is valid for 5 years, while CLEAR+ pricing is annual and renews at the standard rate of $209.

Having both memberships can be beneficial, since CLEAR+ lets you skip to the front of the line, and PreCheck expedites the actual security screening process.

Where is CLEAR available? 

CLEAR is available at more than 60 airports and 13 arenas and stadiums around the U.S. Here are the major U.S. airports where you’ll find CLEAR+ lanes:

• Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

• Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (Birmingham, AL)

• Boise Airport (BOI)

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

• Bradley International Airport (BDL)

• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)

• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

• Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

• Denver International Airport (DEN)

• Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)

• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

• Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)

• Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

• John Wayne Airport (SNA)

• Kahului Airport (OGG)

• Kansas City International Airport (MCI)

• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

• Long Beach Airport (LGB)

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

• Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)

• Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)

• Miami International Airport (MIA)

• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

• Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

• Nashville International Airport (BNA)

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

• Oakland International Airport (OAK)

• Ontario International Airport (ONT)

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)

• Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

• Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

• Portland International Airport (PDX)

• Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

• Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

• Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

• San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

• San Diego International Airport (SAN)

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

• Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

• Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

• St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)

• Tulsa International Airport (TUL)

• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

• Westchester County Airport (HPN)

• Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)

• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

Here are the venues with CLEAR+:

• Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, NV)

• BMO Stadium (Los Angeles, CA)

• Ball Arena (Denver, CO)

• Barclays Center (New York City, NY)

• Capital One Arena (Washington, D.C.)

• Chase Center (San Francisco Bay Area, CA)

• Coors Field (Denver, CO)

• Kaseya Center (Miami, FL)

• Lumen Field (Seattle, WA)

• Madison Square Garden (New York City, NY)

• State Farm Arena (Atlanta, GA)

• T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas, NV)

• Yankee Stadium (New York City, NY)

Is CLEAR+ worth the cost?

CLEAR+ can be worth the cost for those who travel frequently or visit venues where CLEAR kiosks are available. It can be a massive time-saver at busy airports like Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York (JFK). Even smaller airports, like Sacramento (SMF) and Ontario (ONT), offer CLEAR – but depending on when and how often you travel, you may not get much out of it. 

The $209 annual fee is quite steep for infrequent travelers, so you’ll want to calculate the value based on your own travel patterns. For example, if you travel monthly for work and save an hour standing in line, then the  ~$17 you paid for that month can be well worth it. 

Since there are numerous ways to get CLEAR+ for free, signing up can be well worth it.

How to save on CLEAR+

It’s possible to save on CLEAR+ membership if you have the right card or membership with an airline frequent flyer program. With $10 off for even non-elite members, there’s really no reason ever to pay the full $209 CLEAR+ membership fee.

Discounts for Delta SkyMiles members

Delta SkyMiles members can save significantly on CLEAR+ membership, depending on status level. Members can save between $10 and $209 annually by providing their SkyMiles number during enrollment.

• SkyMiles member: $199 annual membership ($10 off)

• Silver, Gold, or Platinum member: $169 annual membership ($40 off)

• Diamond Medallion member: Free ($209 off)

Discounts for United MileagePlus members

United MileagePlus members receive $10-$209 off their annual CLEAR+ membership fees. To receive this discount, simply provide your MileagePlus number during enrollment. Your qualifying discount will apply automatically.

• General members: $199 annual membership ($10 off)

• Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum members: $169 annual membership ($40 off)

• Premier 1K members: $129 ($209 off)

• Global Services: Free ($209 off)

Credits for American Express Cardholders

Several premium credit cards offer statement credits toward CLEAR+ membership fees. With Amex cards, you simply enroll in the benefit and pay your membership fee with your card. You’ll typically receive a credit within a few days, though it can take up to  6-8 weeks at most. 

With Delta and United credit cards, you’ll qualify for discounted pricing. Here’s a breakdown of discounted rates for qualifying credit cardholders:

$169 CLEAR+ membership ($40 off)

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

• The New United Quest℠ Card

• The New United Club℠ Card

• The New United℠ Business Card

• The New United Club℠ Business Card

Which American Express cards include credit for CLEAR+?

Several Amex cards offer annual CLEAR+ credits, including the American Express Green Card, Hilton Honors Aspire Card, and Centurion Card. The Platinum cards are perhaps the most popular options, since they earn flexible rewards and come with valuable travel perks:

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for travelers who want a card packed with luxury perks, including the most comprehensive trusted traveler program credits. The card offers recurring credits for CLEAR+ membership, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry. 

Best for: Frequent travelers who want premium perks

Welcome bonus: 175,000 points after $8,000 spent within the first 6 months of card membership.

Annual fee: $895Earning rates: 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on Amex Travel, 1X on all other eligible spending.

CLEAR+ benefit: Up to $209 CLEAR+ fee credits per calendar yearOther benefits: Over $3,500 in travel and lifestyle credits, airport lounge access, and comprehensive travel insurance.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for business owners who want a card with premium travel benefits. While the annual fee is quite steep, it’s easily offset by over $209 in annual travel credits, including CLEAR+ and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck.

Best for: Frequent business travelers

Welcome bonus: 200,000 points after $20,000 spent within the first 3 months of card membership.

Annual fee: $895Earning rates: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on Amex Travel, 1X on all other eligible spending.

CLEAR+ benefit: Up to $209 CLEAR+ fee credits per calendar yearOther benefits: Over $3,500 in travel and business credits, airport lounge access, and comprehensive travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions about CLEAR+

What’s the difference between CLEAR and CLEAR+?

The difference between CLEAR and CLEAR+ is that CLEAR is the name of the company, while CLEAR+ is the name of the membership program.

Does CLEAR+ include TSA PreCheck? 

No, CLEAR+ does not include TSA PreCheck, since they are two different programs. However, Global Entry membership does include TSA PreCheck.

Which credit cards include free membership to CLEAR+?

The Amex Platinum and Business Platinum credit cards both include free membership to CLEAR+. Simply charge the $209 annual membership fee to your card, and you’ll receive statement credits of up to $209 annually.

Can I bring friends/family through the checkpoint with my CLEAR+?

Yes, you can bring up to 3 family members or friends through the CLEAR checkpoint, as long as you add them to your account first. You can add up to 3 adults for $125 each, while children under the age of 18 are free.

Can I have TSA PreCheck/Global Entry and CLEAR+?

Yes, you can have TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR+. In fact, some travelers combine them to expedite their airport experience, with CLEAR+ speeding up ID checks, PreCheck shortening security lines, and Global Entry making customs a breeze.